Neonatal herpes

Neonatal Herpes

Neonatal herpes (/niːəˈneɪtəl ˈhɜːrpiːz/) is a rare but potentially severe condition affecting newborns, caused by the Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Etymology

The term "neonatal" is derived from the Latin neo meaning "new", and natal meaning "birth". "Herpes" comes from the Greek word herpein, which means "to creep", referring to the nature of the virus that creeps along nerve pathways.

Definition

Neonatal herpes refers to infection acquired by a newborn from the mother during delivery, if the mother is infected with HSV. It can also occur if the baby is exposed to the virus in the genital tract during birth.

Symptoms

Symptoms of neonatal herpes may include skin lesions, fever, and seizures. In severe cases, it can lead to encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, or disseminated disease, where the virus spreads throughout the body, affecting multiple organs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of neonatal herpes is often made through laboratory testing, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests and viral cultures.

Treatment

Treatment typically involves antiviral medications such as acyclovir. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.

Prevention

Prevention strategies include screening pregnant women for HSV, use of antiviral therapy during pregnancy, and caesarean delivery for women with active genital herpes lesions at the time of delivery.

Related Terms

• Herpes simplex virus
• Encephalitis
• Antiviral therapy
• Acyclovir

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Neonatal herpes
• Wikipedia's article - Neonatal herpes

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